There's a way to make your portraits really stand out, and it's extremely easy to implement, too.
It's called subframing, or using a frame within the frame to draw more attention to your subject.
Frames can be anything, too - light or shadow, colors or textures, and physical objects like door frames as well.
Because there are so many options for using subframing in portraiture, implementing one is pretty simple.
Just find an appropriate subframe, compose the shot such that it surrounds your subject, and voila, you've got an improved composition.
Not only does a frame within a frame help draw the viewer's eye to the model, but it also adds depth to the shot.
One of the challenges of photography is conveying a three-dimensional space in a two-dimensional medium, but incorporating a subframe into your portraits can help give the impression of a photo that has more depth.
Likewise, since frames can be colors, textures, shapes, tones, and so forth, using one is an opportunity to add visual punch to your portraits.
While the model should still be the star of the shot, it never hurts to ramp up the interest of a portrait with a little color, light, or texture.
In the video above, Mango Street offers a quick tutorial on using this technique.
They have TONS of beautiful examples that should get your creative juices flowing.
Have a look, learn exactly how to incorporate subframes into portraiture, and then get cracking creating some awesome shots!
Learn More:
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